The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I hope that this Friday evening finds you well at the end of another busy week.   We have enjoyed a number of activities at school with our two parent evenings taking place on Tuesday and Thursday, the ISA Midlands under 10 netball on Monday, our orchestra performing at Crescent School on Tuesday, Ash Wednesday Mass and rehearsals for the forthcoming Key Stage 2 Performing Arts evening held during the week as well.  The netballers enjoyed a good result against Crescent.

I would like to start by thanking all staff involved in the parent evenings.  It is not just the teachers, but our catering staff, catering team, aftercare, office team and the PTA for serving refreshments throughout the evening.  They all played a part in ensuring that the evening flowed as smoothly as possible.  I managed to see some parents in between their appointment times and I was pleased to hear positive comments regarding the new system but if you would like to leave any additional feedback on the new approach for appointments and the venue, please let me know via the office or in person.

Whilst mentioning the PTA, I would like to pass on my thanks to parents on their behalf for remembering to bring their re-usable coffee cups during Friday’s assembly.  We are also grateful to the Cooper family for donating compostable cups which will be available to any parents who are unable to bring in their re-usable cups.

Mrs Williams, our French teacher, will be leaving Crackley Hall at the end of this academic year to reduce her working commitments.  Mrs Williams has been a valued member of staff since 2001 and has also accompanied numerous school visits to France.  I am pleased to say that she will be joining this year’s visit and there will be time for a proper goodbye later next term.  Whilst we will be sad that Mrs Williams will no longer be a member of staff at Crackley Hall, I am pleased to say that she will keep in touch with the Crackley Hall community through private tutoring or possible supply teaching.

The weather was not over-kind to our netball team on Monday and they returned earlier than scheduled after a deluge of rain and hail but I am pleased to report that the team acquitted themselves well in winning five or their eight matches.   Thank you to Mrs Vaughan and Mrs Duigan for accompanying the girls.

Our orchestra visited Crescent School on Tuesday to perform in an instrumental day.  Although I was unable to attend this event personally, I am told it was another wonderful performance co-ordinated by the music teachers from both schools.  Thank you to Mrs Olden and Ms Osborn for accompanying the children.

I am most grateful, as ever, to Father Kevin for celebrating Mass at school on Ash Wednesday.  I was pleased that we were able to mark the beginning of Lent with the school community being challenged to reflect, repent and to pray a little more during Lent.  I hope that we can all be strong together in our resolve to keep our Lenten promises. 

Our treasured St Joseph’s statue, situated in the main entrance, is currently under repair by Mrs Thornhill who is able to expertly attend to some recent damage.  I would ask that St Joseph is admired and looked after by all to help to ensure that he remains in good condition for years to come.  He survived the war years, being the only item standing in a demolished church in Coventry – he comes with quite a history!

There are just a few items of housekeeping which I would like to draw your attention to in case you miss them later in this edition.  Firstly, may I stress that you keep to the correct collection times for car line.  It has unfortunately become increasingly busy with children being released late for car line or parents failing to either move around the roundabout, arriving at the incorrect times or parking inconsiderately.  This has in turn led to complaints from residents and parents alike and could possibly lead to an accident.  I would like to work with you to keep your child safe whilst they are in school and on their journey to and from school.  As such, I would respectfully ask that you please heed the correct procedure at all times.

There are several children in school who have health issues which compromise their immune system.  We do our very best to care for the needs of these children whilst they are in school but would ask for your co-operation by informing the School Office if your child is suffering from a contagious illness.  We can then make a decision to inform the necessary parties involved so as to reduce the risk of any unwanted health complications.

Next week we look forward to the much anticipated Key Stage 2 Performing Arts Evening.  I am aware that Tuesday will be a long day for the children involved but they are incredibly excited about taking part and I am very much looking forward to being entertained by their incredible talents.    

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week:  Nieve, Theo, Ellie, Sumhar, Jay, George, all of J3H and J3V, Sam, Max, Avar, Alfie, Georgina, Stuart and Hannah.  We also congratulate Merryn on being awarded the RE Book and Jasper on his award as Gymnast of the Week.  We were enthralled by the wonderful singing of both Cecilia and Francesca – thank you and very well done to both of them.

As the weather improves it is my hope to increase the number of fixtures in our sporting calendar which will enable as many children as possible to take part in various activities.  Your support at these events is always welcome and makes such a difference to the children having their families cheer them on from the side line.

I will be in school early tomorrow to prepare for Open Day and look forward to seeing some of you and the children during the morning.  I very much appreciate the time you and your family are giving up in order to support the school at this event.  I know that the children who take part are very proud to be involved and promote the school in this way.

The Six Nations rugby matches should be fairly predictable this weekend in build up to next week’s final round of matches.  Ireland, though may find the French ready for a good contest and, I am sure, Scotland will do whatever possible to upset Wales.  There is also some good football and cricket viewing – after the Open Day!  I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

God bless,

Robert Duigan